POLITICO Energy

The latest news in energy and environmental politics & policy — must-know stories and candid insights from POLITICO’s energy team and journalists across our newsroom. All in just five minutes each morning.

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376
Does Biden’s green agenda have a China problem?
Republicans are expressing concerns that President Biden’s climate policies could end up benefiting companies tied to China. The incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are pushing America away from fossil fuels too quickly, they argue, which means using China’s clean energy supply chain. Democrats counter that those laws are aimed at building up the U.S. manufacturing base to ease the country’s dependence on China’s sector. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino analyze the GOP’s strategy and what experts say about China’s role in the American clean energy transition. Plus, the Treasury Department issues guidance on climate law incentives for low-income and coal communities. 
8 min
377
Why Biden is funding Nevada’s lofty EV vision
The state of Nevada wants to develop an electric vehicle ecosystem — from mining critical minerals to the actual manufacturing of the vehicles. And that vision is something the Biden administration is heavily investing in. E&E News reporter David Ferris breaks down Nevada’s vision and why the Biden administration is supporting it. Plus, EPA is delivering another $1 billion in Superfund spending from the bipartisan infrastructure law.
6 min
378
How the White House is selling the Inflation Re...
The Biden administration is hitting the road to tout the Inflation Reduction Act ahead of a potential reelection campaign. But according to polls, the law remains relatively unknown to most Americans. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how the Biden administration plans to increase awareness. Plus, the Energy Department is granting a $2 billion loan for electric vehicle battery materials.
7 min
379
The growing U.S. fears over China’s buildup nea...
Chinese state-owned companies are investing billions of dollars near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil transitways. Some Western interests fear that China’s buildup could lay the groundwork for a future military presence in the region. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down why China’s commercial investment in the Middle East is causing national security worries for the U.S. Plus, a California lawmaker is restarting an effort to expand the state’s participation in the western regional energy grid.
6 min
380
The SEC’s climate risk rule dilemma
Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler is reportedly considering scaling back the historic 'climate risk disclosure' rule, which would require large companies to disclose the carbon emissions from their supply chain. POLITICO’s Declan Harty breaks down the potential legal backlash if the rule is approved as is, why the SEC might soften the rule, and how environmental advocates might react if the regulation is scaled back. Plus, the International Energy Agency says growth in renewables will help stabilize emissions from the power sector — but not fast enough to meet climate goals.
6 min
381
Why the West is struggling to solve its Colorad...
Last week, the seven Western states that rely on the Colorado River failed to find consensus on a water conservation plan, leading to a potential intervention by the Biden administration to avoid a water and power catastrophe. POLITICO’s Annie Snider unpacks the tricky politics of the water dispute and how it may mirror future political battles over adapting to climate change. Plus, racially-motivated extremists have been charged for plotting an attack on Baltimore's power grid.
8 min
382
Why the EU’s green industry plan could escalate...
The European Commission unveiled the Green Deal Industrial Plan last week in hopes of countering America’s Inflation Reduction Act amid fears the IRA could drive business across the Atlantic to the United States. However, the plan from the European Commission already faces major criticisms, including that Europe might be waging a subsidy race it can’t win. POLITICO Europe’s Sam Stolton breaks down Europe’s plan. Plus, the Treasury Department settles on a standard for EV tax credits that automakers were campaigning for.
9 min
383
Can the US win the carbon management race?
The federal government is investing billions of dollars into developing the carbon management sector. The US hopes to become a global leader in the tech that could become critical to fighting climate change rather than playing catch up like it did with wind and solar. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how the US is trying to win the carbon management race. Plus, the Energy Department says no taxpayer funding has been provided to companies for battery production operations in China.to win the carbon capture race, how the industry is responding, and the reaction from the world. Plus, the Energy Department says no taxpayer funding has been provided to companies for operations in China.
8 min
384
Can a gas company help Puerto Rico reach a gree...
Puerto Rico’s 100% renewable energy target is attainable, according to a new study by the Department of Energy. But the island’s residents are nervous that a new contract with natural gas company New Fortress Energy will jeopardize chances of reaching that goal. New Fortress Energy will take over the island’s power plants system, and residents – who are already wary of more privatization of the power system – worry the company isn’t committed to greening its grid. POLITICO’s Gloria Gonzalez breaks down how Puerto Rico’s power privatization deal casts a shadow over its renewable energy goals. Plus, the Biden administration advanced the proposed ConocoPhillips Willow oil project in Alaska.
8 min
385
Did the EPA really quash Pebble Mine for good?
The Environmental Protection Agency used a rare authority on Monday to effectively veto the development of Pebble Mine, a proposed copper and gold mine in a remote region of southwest Alaska that has been fought over by mining interests, Alaska Natives and environmentalists for decades. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down EPA’s decision and the reaction. Plus, Exxon Mobil warns of a possible fuel price surge this year.
7 min
386
Offshore wind’s new image problem: whale deaths
A string of whale deaths along the New York and New Jersey coasts are increasing tensions between environmental groups, energizing Republicans and threatening the development of the offshore wind industry. POLITICO’s Ry Rivard breaks down the controversy. Plus, a new government watchdog report found that the Tennessee Valley Authority needs to step up its efforts to manage climate-related risks.
8 min
387
Why the GOP’s SPR bills are really about Biden
House Republicans passed a messaging bill on Friday intended to limit President Joe Biden’s ability to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. And though the bill will likely not make it past the Senate or Biden, the legislation is part of a broader GOP effort to attack the White House’s energy and climate policies. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino break down the GOP’s messaging effort and what’s next for the House Republican energy agenda. Plus, FERC streamlined environmental reviews for three fossil fuel projects - marking the first decisive move on natural gas infrastructure under acting chair Willie Phillips.
7 min
388
Manchin takes aim at Treasury over EV tax credit
On Wednesday, Sen. Joe Manchin proposed legislation that would delay implementing new tax credits for electric vehicles until strict new battery and domestic sourcing requirements are put in place. Manchin’s legislation adds to broader tensions over the EV tax credits, as foreign allies are critical of the program. POLITICO’s Tanya Snyder breaks down Manchin’s stance and whether his bill will receive broader support in Congress. Plus, the Biden administration banned mining in over 225,000 acres of Minnesota wilderness for the next 20 years, dealing a blow to a planned copper mine.
9 min
389
Price surge and proposed fix spark chaos in PJM...
Grid operator PJM Interconnection's efforts to fix what it believes to be an error in its December auction is now dividing regulators, consumer advocates and power providers. PJM believed power prices for customers were artificially inflated, so it decided to delay posting the auction results and asked federal regulators to allow it to change the auction rules. But critics say that move could generate a potential windfall for power producers. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the messy fight. Plus, EPA rejected applications to keep unlined coal ash ponds open at six power plants.
7 min
390
Why Pennsylvania’s energy transition has a tax ...
America’s energy transition away from fossil fuels is producing economic losers. In Pennsylvania, those losses are largely because of the state’s unique tax code. Pennsylvania is quickly transitioning from coal mining to natural gas drilling, but the state is losing tax revenue as a result. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down coal country’s bumpy transition. Plus, New York’s grid operator is warning developers to stop lobbying to win a lucrative Long Island transmission project.
6 min
391
GOP criticizes Biden’s climate law as red distr...
A new POLITICO analysis found that roughly two-thirds of major clean energy projects announced since the Inflation Reduction Act went into law are located in districts whose Republican lawmakers opposed the legislation. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act sparked billions of dollars in investment flowing to red districts. Plus, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said President Joe Biden would veto new SPR legislation from House Republicans expected this week.
8 min
392
Manchin looms large over a post-Glick FERC
Under acting chair Willie Phillips, FERC could move to consider the climate and environmental justice impacts of projects the agency approves, including fossil fuel infrastructure. But that’s a direction Senator Joe Manchin doesn’t like, which is a major reason why former FERC chair Richard Glick didn’t get a re-confirmation hearing last year. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down FERC’s direction under Phillips and Manchin’s looming influence. Plus, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has officially approved the first advanced small nuclear reactor design in the United States.
8 min
393
The Arizona transmission model that defied perm...
On Thursday, top Biden administration officials attended the groundbreaking of Ten West Link, a major Arizona transmission project, which could be a model for the shift toward renewables and how future lines can make it through the difficult permitting process. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse and James Bikales discuss the importance of Ten West Link and its potential impact on future transmission projects. Plus, environmental advocates sue the Biden administration for approving a proposed oil export terminal in the Gulf of Mexico.
7 min
394
Is Europe winning the energy war with Russia?
Europe is faring better than anyone expected in its energy war with Russia -- and President Vladimir Putin's attempt to leverage his country’s vast gas and oil resources is actually beginning to look like a losing strategy. POLITICO’s Charlie Cooper breaks down how, so far, Europe has managed to keep the lights and heat on without Russia. Plus, New FERC chair Willie Phillips is pledging a transmission push in line with President Joe Biden’s climate goals.
9 min
395
No, the feds aren’t coming for your gas stoves
The Biden administration isn't proposing a federal ban on gas stoves but that didn’t stop conservative pundits and lawmakers from expressing alarm about such a move in the latest fight in the culture wars. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down why this gas stove issue started, and what the right’s gas stove freakout is really about. Plus, the Interior Department is shaking up which of its agencies will manage renewable energy responsibilities.
7 min
396
Why the DOE might loan millions to a controvers...
Last week, the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office conditionally agreed to provide a $700 million loan to a controversial lithium mining project in Nevada. The site would extract critical minerals crucial to meeting President Joe Biden’s clean energy goals, but has drawn significant environmental concerns. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the debate over the project and why the loan office is expected to be a major oversight focus of the GOP-controlled House. Plus, FERC is expected to vote on a final rule to strengthen utility cybersecurity standards.
8 min
397
Why a partisan SPR messaging bill got bipartisa...
On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed legislation with strong bipartisan support aimed at preventing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve from being shipped to China. POLITICO’s Josh Siegel and Ben Lefebvre discuss the legislation’s bipartisan appeal, prospects in the Senate, impact on China, and how it fits into the GOP’s energy priorities in the new Congress. Plus, the Biden administration plans to update offshore renewable energy regulations.
8 min
398
The U.S. green supply chain is expanding in a b...
Since President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, clean energy companies like Q Cells are pouring billions of dollars into investments to build out the sector’s domestic manufacturing. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down what’s going on in the sector and why it’s still facing supply constraints. Plus, the chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission disavowed chatter about a national gas stove ban.
8 min
399
Inside Biden’s plan to cut emissions in transpo...
On Tuesday, the Biden administration released a plan to guide the U.S. to eliminate carbon emissions from the transportation sector, the leading emitter of U.S. greenhouse gasses warming the planet, by 2050. That blueprint includes spending billions of public dollars to expand the use of electric vehicles and low-carbon fuels. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the details of the administration’s plan and its challenges. Plus, President Joe Biden appointed Elizabeth Klein to lead the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, which has drawn criticism from Republicans and some Democrats for its lack of oil lease sales.
8 min
400
The brewing House GOP energy fight
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is hardly seen as an advocate for climate change policy, but he’s been more open to addressing the issue than many others in the GOP. And the concessions he made to House conservatives last week to secure his new role are likely to complicate any future party-line energy package. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino and Josh Siegel discuss what’s in store. Plus, a new study concludes that human-driven climate change contributed to drought in the western United States.
8 min